The objective of this study was to assess the tocolytic activity of meloxicam, a novel cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor, in a comparative study with the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, indomethacin.

The in‐vitro tocolytic effect of meloxicam and indomethacin (10⁻⁹‐10⁻⁵M) was evaluated on spontaneously‐contracting uterine strips from non‐pregnant rats and from rats at various stages of pregnancy. The rhythmic motility of the strips was reproducibly maintained over several hours. The effect of drugs was evaluated from the extent of inhibition of the frequency and amplitude of contractions. Both indomethacin and meloxicam induced dose‐dependent inhibitory effects, with meloxicam being slightly more potent in all groups studied, particularly in early pregnancy.

These results suggest that meloxicam, which has fewer side‐effects than cyclooxygenase‐1 inhibitors, could be a potentially useful tocolytic agent in the treatment of premature labour.